Senior Grand Master Len G Kirschbaum

Senior Grand Master Len G Kirschbaum

Sr. Grand Master Len G. Kirschbaum, PhD, is a pioneering martial artist, historian, and global authority in Original Taekwon-Do. A first-generation American Original Taekwon-Do Senior Grand Master, he holds the rank of IX Degree Black Belt, directly descending from the legacy of General Choi Hong Hi, founder of Original Taekwon-Do. With more than six decades of continuous training, teaching, and leadership, Sr. Grand Master Kirschbaum stands as one of the most respected figures in the art.

His martial arts journey began in 1962 with Chinese Kenpo, later expanding into Japanese Shotokan and Taekwon-Do. He earned his Taekwon-Do Black Belt in 1970 and has since dedicated his life to preserving, documenting, and teaching Original Taekwon-Do as envisioned by General Choi. In recognition of his lifelong commitment and leadership, he was honored as “Head of the IOTF Family” by the International Martial Arts Association.

A visionary founder, Sr. Grand Master Kirschbaum established numerous influential organizations, including the Wisconsin Taekwon-Do Federation, North Central Instructors Black Belt Federation, United States Taekwon-Do Commission, International Original Taekwon-Do Federation (IOTF), I-CAN Self-Defense System, Cane & Abled Self-Defense for Seniors, and the Disabled Martial Artists of America, now known as the Disabled Martial Arts Alliance (DMAA). He currently serves as President of the IOTF and CEO of the DMAA, continuing to guide and inspire practitioners worldwide.

Sr. Grand Master Kirschbaum is also a prolific author and scholar of Taekwon-Do history and philosophy. His published works include Secrets of Original Taekwon-Do Tuls: An In-Depth Study, Through the Tentes of Taekwon-Do – Expanded Edition,

American Original Taekwon-Do Grand Masters, The DO of Martial Arts, and My Memoirs of Choi Hong Hi: Father of Original Taekwon-Do, along with several additional non-martial arts books. His writings are widely regarded as essential resources for serious students of the art.

In 1994, General Choi Hong Hi personally commissioned Sr. Grand Master Kirschbaum to conduct seminars to preserve and transmit Original Taekwon-Do. He continues to teach these seminars to this day, ensuring the technical, philosophical, and moral integrity of the art is passed on to future generations.

His lifetime of achievement has been recognized with numerous honors, including a Lifetime Achievement Award, induction into the International Black Belt Hall of Fame,

and a nomination for the Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T.) Award by Grand Master Ted Gambardella.

Beyond martial arts, Sr. Grand Master Kirschbaum is a devoted Freemason, having served in distinguished leadership roles such as Past High Priest of Lexington Chapter #1, Royal Arch Masons, Past Illustrious Master of Washington Council of Royal and Select Masons, and Eminent Commander of Webb Commandery, Knights Templar.

Through unwavering dedication to education, inclusion, and the true spirit of Original Taekwon-Do, Sr. Grand Master Len G. Kirschbaum has secured his legacy as a guardian of General Choi’s art and one of the most influential leaders in modern martial arts history.

Sr. Grand Master Kirschbaum didn’t receive the title of senior Grand Master because of his age, he received the distinguished title because of his dedication to passing on the original art of Taekwon-Do to his students. He has developed 7 personal students to the level of 9 Degree and several more to 7th and 8th degree black belt.

General Choi was said to Sr. Grand Master Kirschbaum, “an individual doesn’t need to be a general if he has no soldiers to lead nor does one need to have the 9 Degree without producing high level students either. You have proved you commitment to your students and proved your loyalty to me. You are are a great example of a true leader.”

As General Chi has left the lifelon treasure of Taekwon-Do for all to enjoy, Sr. Grand Master Kirschbaum continues the legacy to leave his mark in Taekwon-Do as well.

Sr. Grand Master Kirschbaum leaves many Grand masters of Original Taekwon-Do to carry on long after he passes into that great Dojang in the sky. He also leaves his abridged notes from the General as his written legacy.